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CNN: In a recent effort to counter Russia’s electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, Ukrainian forces successfully targeted a Russian Pole-21 EW system near Donetsk. This strike, part of Ukraine’s efforts to catch up with Russia’s advanced EW, is crucial as electronic warfare becomes increasingly important in the ongoing conflict.
EW involves tactics using the electromagnetic spectrum, such as jamming GPS-guided targeting systems. Both Russian and Ukrainian militaries are employing EW, with Russia showing a significant advantage. Russian jammers have been especially effective against Ukraine’s Western-provided “smart” weapons, like the HIMARS rocket systems and Excalibur artillery projectiles, which rely on GPS for targeting.
Russia’s EW capabilities include the Pole-21 system, designed to jam GPS signals, and techniques like “spoofing” GPS to misdirect enemy drones or missiles. The Kremlin has reportedly doubled the production of key EW equipment this year and has fully integrated EW with its troops, maintaining a notable superiority in this domain.
Ukraine, recognizing the importance of EW, is rapidly increasing its domestic production of drones and is now focusing on enhancing its EW capabilities. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s minister of digital transformation, emphasized the need for smart integration of EW on the battlefield to avoid “electronic fratricide,” where EW systems accidentally target friendly forces. The goal is to develop technology that allows Ukrainian drones to target enemy EW equipment effectively.
The recent developments in Ukraine’s EW efforts indicate a broader shift in modern warfare, where EW capabilities and tactics are becoming integral to conventional military operations. The U.S. is also adapting its strategies in EW, acknowledging its fundamental role in current and future military engagements. Ukraine continues to seek support from Western allies for both technology and expertise in this evolving area of warfare.
The entire article can be read at the link https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/29/europe/ukraine-russia-electronic-warfare-intl-cmd/index.html
